English
About Our English Classes
Our English classes are available to elementary and middle school students who are seeking guidance with their school work, hoping to participate in writing contests and publications, or looking to improve their general language arts skills. We work with our students to build personalized lesson plans to cover specific topics they wish to learn. These topics can include, but are not limited to:
Creative writing (fiction/prose, poetry, etc.)
We will work together to craft short stories, personal essays, or whichever form of creative writing you would like to learn. We will learn about different literary elements and techniques to bring your creative writing to the next level. Additionally, we offer services in editing and revising previously written pieces.
Analytical writing (persuasive, expository, etc.)
We will practice writing persuasive, expository, and opinion essays to impress your English teachers at school. We will learn about essay organization, how to build an effective argument, and how to write powerful introductions and conclusions. Additionally, we offer services in editing and revising previously written pieces.
Reading comprehension
We will read different novels and short stories to help improve your analytical reading and critical thinking skills.
Vocabulary
A wide vocabulary range is essential to good writing. We will use the website Quizlet to learn SSAT vocabulary words.
Grammar
We start from the basics-- parts of speech-- and gradually learn more advanced grammar concepts that will improve your writing.
Contest writing/submitting to literary journals and magazines
We will work together to generate unique ideas for short stories, poetry, etc. to submit to writing contests or journals and magazines. Then, we will work with you to craft your piece and offer revisions along the way. Some journals/magazines that we recommend submitting to are Stone Soup and Amazing Kids! Magazine.
Our English Tutors
Ashley Xu
Anna Halfman
Anna Halfman
Ashley is a junior at The Winsor School. An avid English student, she has been practicing creative writing since 6th grade and is a staff writer for her school's newspaper. Besides writing, Ashley is on her school's speech and debate team, and loves swimming, playing piano, and hiking with her dog Teddy.
Qualifications:
- American Voices Me
Ashley is a junior at The Winsor School. An avid English student, she has been practicing creative writing since 6th grade and is a staff writer for her school's newspaper. Besides writing, Ashley is on her school's speech and debate team, and loves swimming, playing piano, and hiking with her dog Teddy.
Qualifications:
- American Voices Medal recipient in the 2022 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
- 3x National Gold Medal recipient in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards (2019, 2021, 2022)
- Alumna of the 2022 Iowa Young Writers' Studio Residential Summer Program and the 2021 Kenyon Young Writers Workshop
- Opinion Editor for The Banner (school newspaper)
Anna Halfman
Anna Halfman
Anna Halfman
Anna is a junior at The Winsor School. While she interested in all subjects, Anna particularly enjoys English the most. Outside of academics, Anna is an assistant editor at her school’s newspaper, dances ballet, participates in her school’s environmental activism club, and more.
Qualifications:
- Editor-in-Chief of The Banner (school newsp
Anna is a junior at The Winsor School. While she interested in all subjects, Anna particularly enjoys English the most. Outside of academics, Anna is an assistant editor at her school’s newspaper, dances ballet, participates in her school’s environmental activism club, and more.
Qualifications:
- Editor-in-Chief of The Banner (school newspaper)
- Four years of experience in a creative writing club
- Completing Interlochen Arts’ creative writing program
Caroline Bae
Anna Halfman
Jonathan Zhang
Caroline is a sophomore at The Winsor School in Boston. From a young age, Caroline has been an eager reader, and her passion for writing has only grown over the years. She is excited to share her English knowledge. Caroline also enjoys field hockey, swimming, playing the flute, and photography.
Qualifications:
- 99 percentile on the ISEE R
Caroline is a sophomore at The Winsor School in Boston. From a young age, Caroline has been an eager reader, and her passion for writing has only grown over the years. She is excited to share her English knowledge. Caroline also enjoys field hockey, swimming, playing the flute, and photography.
Qualifications:
- 99 percentile on the ISEE Reading Comprehension section
- Applied and selected numerous journalism and creative writing courses
- Experience teaching students reading and writing at The Chestnut Hill School
Jonathan Zhang
Jonathan Zhang
Jonathan Zhang
Jonathan is senior at Lexington High School. He has always loved analytical reading and creative writing, and he is eager to help young students discover their passion for English as well. In his free time, Jonathan loves playing baseball, listening to country music, and following the NFL.
Qualifications:
- Published writer in the Ravensp
Jonathan is senior at Lexington High School. He has always loved analytical reading and creative writing, and he is eager to help young students discover their passion for English as well. In his free time, Jonathan loves playing baseball, listening to country music, and following the NFL.
Qualifications:
- Published writer in the Ravensperch and other literary magazines
- Experienced tutor at the Lexington High School Learning Center
- 99.5 percentile on the SAT
Jessica Wei
Jonathan Zhang
Jessica Wei
Jessica Wei, 17, is a senior at The Winsor School in Boston. A passionate writer and reader, Jessica is currently an Editor for the school newspaper. One of her favorite hobbies is writing creative stories in her free time, and she is eager to share her love for literature and language arts! Besides writing and reading, Jessica enjoys spe
Jessica Wei, 17, is a senior at The Winsor School in Boston. A passionate writer and reader, Jessica is currently an Editor for the school newspaper. One of her favorite hobbies is writing creative stories in her free time, and she is eager to share her love for literature and language arts! Besides writing and reading, Jessica enjoys spending time with friends and family, drawing, singing, playing the piano, and swimming in the lake.
Qualifications:
-full MCAS score 8th grade
-99% on the Upper Level SSAT math section
-99% overall on the PSAT 11
-99% overall on the SAT
-current faculty-chosen Math and English Peer Tutor at The Winsor School